Capacity building and bridging between the organic and biodynamic sectors in Spain and Germany
▶Summary
The project aimed to provide agricultural advisors, farm managers, and students with the necessary knowledge and practical skills to promote sustainable and biodynamic farming across Spain and Ger...
▶Objectives
The project aimed to provide agricultural advisors, farm managers, and students with the necessary knowledge and practical skills to promote sustainable and biodynamic farming across Spain and Germany. Specifically, we sought to expand the availability of specialized training modules addressing urgent environmental issues such as soil conservation, water management, and climate change mitigation. At the same time, we emphasized social responsibility and fair economic returns within the agri-food chain. By offering both in-person and virtual learning opportunities, we aimed to strengthen professional capacities, encourage collaboration, and foster exchanges between regions. The project also aimed to build stronger links between the Spanish and German organic farming communities, enhance local and international networks, and contribute to the broader EU objectives, especially the Green Deal and Farm to Fork strategies.
▶Activities
The project focused on two key activities: (1) developing training modules on sustainable farming and social responsibility, and (2) delivering eight pilot courses in various formats and languages. Topics included biodiversity, water management, livestock and climate, Demeter certification, and social responsibility. The courses offered were: • E01: Biodiversity in Agriculture (ES on-site, ES+DE self-paced online) • E02: Sustainable Water Management (ES on-site, ES+DE self-paced online) • E03: Water – Precious, Limited, Essential (ES+DE online + DE on-site) • E04: Livestock, Soil, Carbon and Climate (ES on-site, ES+DE self-paced online) • E05: Sustainable Water Management (ES, online; same content as E02) • S01: Demeter Certification from an Anthroposophical Perspective (ES on-site, ES+DE self-paced online) • S02: Respect in the Agricultural Value Chain (EN/ES/DE, on-site) • S03: Social Responsibility in Agriculture (ES+DE, online webinar) Activities followed a phased timeline with clear milestones and work packages. Participants included farmers, advisors, and certification professionals. A digital learning platform, video conferencing, and blended learning ensured accessibility.
▶Impact
Key Outputs: The project developed modular training units on five key themes in sustainable agriculture (e.g. soil fertility, biodiversity, water stewardship, social responsibility, and farm management). A public Moodle e-learning platform was established, ensuring long-term access. Seven pilot courses and one round table workshop were held across diverse formats: five in-person trainings, one online webinar, one self-paced video course. Numbers, Data, Facts: Over 400 professionals from 16 countries participated—nearly doubling the original target. Evaluation scores indicated strong satisfaction, with over 85 % of participants rating the content as highly relevant and applicable. All training materials remain freely accessible online for future use and adaptation. Soft Results: The project deepened cooperation between German and Spanish partners, expanded trainer and advisor networks across Europe and Latin America, and increased awareness of EU Green Deal, Soil Mission, and organic transition policies. Organisational capacities and international visibility of Agro Cultura con Respeto were significantly strengthened, positioning them for future EU-funded initiatives.